Oh, boy. Here we go again. Microsoft Office had reportedly been confirmed for iOS and Android, and should be available on both platforms in March 2013. Why should we believe this now more than the previous rodeos? Because this time, it comes from Microsoft itself.

This is not a surprise, but a welcome confirmation for the millions of business citizens and…
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As the Verge reports, Microsoft product manager Petr Bobek reportedly told Czech tech site IHNED about Microsoft's cross-platform plans, including detailed timing for both mobile and desktop version of Office 2013.

Business customers are expected to have access to Microsoft's marquee software as early as this December, while consumers can get their mitts on Office 2013 in February of next year. And shortly after that? iOS and Android apps that accommodate Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Another tease that doesn't materialize? Maybe. But this time we seem on more solid footing, and it's not as though Microsoft stands much to gain by withholding Office from the two most popular mobile platforms in the world. If anything, it should have its fingers crossed that March 2013 isn't too late for anyone to care. [IHNED via The Verge]

Update: Well, back to the drawing board. Microsoft corporate communications honcho Frank Shaw has just tweeted the following denial-ish: